Jiaozuo Shennongshan Scenic Area is located at the southern foot of the Taihang Mountains, 23 kilometers northwest of Qinyang City, Jiaozuo City, Henan Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, as well as one of the first batch of global geoparks, national key scenic spots, national macaque nature reserves, and creation bases of the China Photographers Association. The scenic area covers an area of about 96 square kilometers, with a north-high-south-low terrain and an altitude ranging from 250 to 1,116.9 meters. Shennongshan is characterized by strange peaks, cloud seas, white pines, unique ridges, and canyons, with a vegetation coverage rate of over 90%, containing 1,912 plant species, more than 300 rare Chinese medicinal materials, and over 260 species of terrestrial vertebrates.
History and Culture
In ancient times, Yan Emperor Shennong identified five grains, tasted herbs, and set up altars to worship heaven here, founding the pioneer of agriculture and medicine. Thus, this place was named Shennongshan. Together with the Yellow Emperor, Yan Emperor is known as the common ancestor of the Chinese people, highly respected throughout history.
During the Western Jin Dynasty, the female Taoist priest Wei Huacun practiced Taoism here for 42 years, wrote the Huangting Jing (Yellow Court Classic), known as one of the "Four Heavenly Books," and founded the Shangqing School of Taoism. In the Northern Wei Dynasty, the eminent monk Chou Chan carved the Cliff Inscriptions of Taiping Temple here and built Yunyang Temple, Linchuan Temple, Taiping Temple, and Mujian Temple. Throughout history, emperors, generals, and literati such as Cao Cao, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Bai, Liu Yuxi, Han Yu, Li Shangyin, and Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty all climbed here to enjoy the scenery and express their feelings.
Main Attractions
Zijin Peak
The main peak, Zijin Peak, stands at an altitude of 1,028 meters, known as the "Zhongtian Yuzhu" (Heavenly Jade Pillar). The peak is perennially shrouded in purple mist. Legend has it that it was the place where Taishang Laojun (the Supreme Old Lord) built a furnace for alchemy. With steep terrain and majestic momentum, it towers into the sky, allowing visitors to overlook the magnificent scenery of the Taihang Mountains and experience the grandeur of "standing on the top, overlooking all mountains small."
Dragon Ridge Great Wall
The world geological wonder, Dragon Ridge Great Wall, is the most representative natural landscape of Shennongshan. With nine peaks in one ridge, it stretches 11.5 kilometers, winding like a giant dragon from a distance. The limestone mountain body resembles an artificial great wall, hence the name. The Dragon Ridge Great Wall is covered with more than 16,000 rare white crane pines (also known as dragon scale pines), the only three-needle pines in Asia.
Macaque Garden
This is the most concentrated area for Taihang macaques in Shennongshan and the best base for appreciating and researching wild Taihang macaques. Taihang macaques are second-class rare wild protected animals in China. There are about 3,000 macaques in the scenic area, belonging to 9 macaque groups. They are lively and cute, shuttling freely in the mountains and interacting with visitors in a charming manner.
Yunyang Temple
Founded in the Tang Dynasty, it was originally called Shousheng Temple. In the first year of the Zhongtong period of the Yuan Dynasty (1260 AD), Shengguo Temple was added. The existing buildings include the Mountain Gate, Four Heavenly Kings Hall, Western Three Saints Hall, and Mahavira Hall. To the northeast of the temple, there are three square multi-eave brick pagodas with a height of 4-6 meters, imitating the Tang style, built in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties respectively. Yunyang Temple is built against the mountain by the water, rising layer by layer with the mountain terrain. Four groups of buildings are arranged on four platforms with a height difference of 5 meters. In 1982, the Qinyang Municipal People's Government announced Yunyang Temple as a key cultural relic protection unit.
Qingjing Palace
Founded in 1750 AD (the 15th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty), it is the only remaining beamless building complex of the Qing Dynasty in China. Facing south and built against the mountain, the central building is the Sanhuang Pavilion, with the Queen Mother Hall on the left and the Yuhuang Pavilion on the right, all of which are double-story pavilion-style buildings. Its architectural style breaks the axis-symmetrical pattern of Buddhist and Taoist temples, combining Oriental cave dwellings with Western pavilions, and all materials are stones, known as a unique ancient building in the Central Plains.
Shennong Cultural Square
Built to commemorate the achievements of Yan Emperor Shennong, it is located 200 meters inside the scenic area. In the center of the square stands a 9.9-meter-high, 29-ton pure copper statue of Shennong. The square is divided into three layers, symbolizing the three realms of heaven, earth, and humanity. The main altar has four ascending paths, symbolizing the four seasons of the year. Around the altar, there are 12 reliefs telling the life stories of Yan Emperor, symbolizing the 12 months of the year. The circular altar road at the bottom has 24 circles, symbolizing the 24 solar terms, with each circle paved with 365 bluestones, symbolizing the 365 days of the year. Eight spiritual beasts guard all directions around the altar.
Food
Jin Xianshu Sesame Cake
One of the most famous Shaobing (Chinese sesame cakes) in Jiaozuo, with a history of decades. It is made with fine craftsmanship and strict and reasonable ingredients, with more than 10 varieties, roughly divided into four categories: Dayousu (large oily crisp), Tangyousu (sweet oily crisp), Rouyousu (meat oily crisp), and Sanjiaosu (triangular crisp). The freshly baked Shaobing is golden, crispy, and fragrant, and the authentic taste can be enjoyed at the Jin Xianshu Shaobing Shop in the urban area.
Huai Prefecture Donkey Meat
Known as "dragon meat in the sky, donkey meat on the ground," it is a signature food of Jiaozuo. The meat is tender and soft, with a delicate and salty taste. The unique production process of Huai Prefecture Naotang Donkey Meat involves adding deep well water to a old soup in proportion, then putting in superior donkey leg bones, Huai yam, Huai achyranthes, Huai chrysanthemum, caoguo (grass nut), etc., more than 30 kinds of seasonings, stirring into a rich sauce. When boiling, the soup bubbles and is called "naotang" (boiling soup). The cooked donkey meat is fully mixed into the naotang and boiled for about 8 hours. The finished product is delicious in color, aroma, and taste, with a rich soup. It can be tasted in local donkey meat restaurants in Qinyang.
Mutton Soup
Made with superior mutton, slow-cooked for several hours, the soup is as white as milk and full of aroma. Taking a sip of the soup and a bite of the tender mutton warms the whole body. Jiaozuo Laoji Mutton Soup Restaurant is a good place to taste authentic mutton soup. Its signature Jiaozuo mutton soup is made with fresh sheep bones and mutton, carefully cooked with a variety of spices, with thick soup and tender meat, deeply loved by locals.
Tickets
The ticket price is 39.9 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "神农山风景区" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are 7:00-18:00. Generally, summer for escaping the heat and autumn for admiring red leaves are good times to visit Shennongshan. The itinerary can be adjusted according to the actual situation and weather of the scenic area in that year.
Tour Routes
One-day tour recommendation: Arrive at the scenic area at about 8 am, first take a sightseeing bus to Yunyang Temple, feel the tranquility and solemnity of the ancient temple, admire the buildings and Buddha statues in the temple, and understand Buddhist culture, which takes about 40 minutes. Then start hiking from Yunyang Temple, enjoy the natural scenery along the way, breathe fresh air, and interact with Taihang macaques. It is expected to take 2 hours to reach Zijin Peak. Take a short rest at Zijin Peak, enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Taihang Mountains, take photos, and stay for about 30 minutes. Then walk along the Dragon Ridge Great Wall, experience the thrilling journey, admire the unique geological landscape, and then choose to take a cable car or continue hiking down the mountain according to your own situation.
Two-day tour recommendation: Arrive at the scenic area in the morning of the first day, visit Yunyang Temple, Macaque Garden and other attractions, climb Zijin Peak in the afternoon, and choose to stay at the Shennongshan Yunjing Hotel in the scenic area at night. The hotel is located in the core area of the scenic area, with new Chinese-style rooms and complete facilities, from which you can enjoy the scenery of Shennongshan. On the second day, go to the Dragon Ridge Great Wall, then visit Qingjing Palace, Shennong Cultural Square and other attractions, and end the journey in the afternoon.
Transportation
- Public transportation: In Jiaozuo City, take a bus to Qinyang City first, and then transfer to a bus or tourist special line vehicle to Shennongshan Scenic Area.
- Self-driving: From Jiaozuo urban area, drive northwest along S308 Provincial Road, and follow the navigation tips to Shennongshan Scenic Area. The scenic area has a parking lot. If starting from other cities, get off the expressway at the Qinyang exit and then go to the scenic area. For example, from Zhengzhou, take Zheng-Yun Expressway to Chang-Ji Expressway, get off at Qinyang Station, and then go to the scenic area. The whole journey takes about 1.5-2 hours (the specific time depends on traffic conditions).
Must-Visit Attractions
- Zijin Peak: 1,028 meters above sea level, with majestic momentum, overlooking the beautiful scenery of Taihang, feeling the pride of the ancients climbing high, and legend has it that it was the place where Taishang Laojun made alchemy, with many legends.
- Dragon Ridge Great Wall: A world geological wonder, 11.5 kilometers long, with nine peaks winding like a dragon, covered with more than 16,000 rare white crane pines, of great ornamental value.
- Macaque Garden: You can watch more than 3,000 national second-class protected animals, Taihang macaques, up close, and see them playing in the mountains and interacting with visitors, full of fun.
Tour Tips
- Wear comfortable and non-slip sports shoes or hiking shoes, as the mountain roads in the scenic area are rugged and some sections are steep. Appropriate shoes can reduce foot fatigue and injury risks.
- Pay attention to sun protection when visiting in summer. Carry high-factor sunscreen (such as SPF50+, PA++++ products), wide-brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, and light and breathable sun-protective clothing.
- Prepare some snacks and drinking water appropriately, but pay attention to keeping the scenic area clean and do not litter. When feeding in the Macaque Garden, use the food specified by the scenic area to avoid feeding unhealthy food that may make macaques sick, and be careful not to be scratched by macaques.
- Mobile phone signals may be poor in some sections of the scenic area. Inform family members of your itinerary in advance. If traveling alone, it is recommended to keep in touch with others.
Notes
- Smoking and open fires are strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Please do not smoke or use open fires in the scenic area to avoid causing mountain fires.
- During climbing, follow the signs in the scenic area and do not leave the designated tour route to prevent getting lost or having accidents.
- Some attractions such as the Dragon Ridge Great Wall are located in dangerous terrains. Pay attention to safety when visiting, do not approach the cliff edges, and avoid crowding and pushing.
- Respect the religious beliefs and cultural customs in the scenic area. Keep quiet in religious places such as temples, and do not make loud noises or touch cultural relics and historic sites at will.
- In case of bad weather (such as heavy rain, strong wind, etc.), some attractions may be temporarily closed. It is recommended to check the weather forecast and scenic area announcements before traveling and arrange the itinerary reasonably.